A new four-star resort is currently under development in Melbourne’s Northern region, just outside of Mickelham, and is set to be a world-class tourism facility that will contribute to the local community and greater economy.

Set to open in March 2018, Marnong Estate will be a new world-class tourism facility that enables a broad offering from the historic homestead accommodation, Day Spa, 250 guest capacity Event Space, a 250-seat restaurant, to a vineyard, brewery, piazza, maze, farmers market and operational farm producing first class Angus Cattle.

Located only 35 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and only 12 minutes from Tullamarine Airport, the development of Marnong Estate is led by hospitality industry stalwart –Gerald Ackroyd.

Gerald will steer the $35 million-plus development over three key stages, as he brings decades of industry experience to the role having previously been General Manager at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa, Yarra Valley and Balgownie Estate Winery, Bendigo and also worked for the Marriner Group.

“This is a very exciting time for us and the local community as the development of Marnong Estate will allow residents throughout the Hume Corridor to have a wide range of choices for employment and entertainment” says Gerald Ackroyd.

“The Hume Corridor is one of the most substantial areas of growth in Melbourne but lacks access to a diverse range of jobs and entertainment facilities, therefore Marnong Estate will be providing locals with a number of diverse job opportunities and entertainment and cultural activities for families and couples to enjoy,” says Gerald.

Over a six year period Gerald took Balgownie Estate from just another accommodation offering, to an award winning, vineyard, resort and spa catering for local, state, interstate and international visitors, conferences and events – and plans to execute the same for Marnong Estate.

Joining the Marnong Estate team is Melanie Watson as the Sales and Marketing Manager. Melanie worked alongside Gerald at Balgownie Estate for more than five years, and comes to the Marnong Estate team as an award winning Sales Executive received in 2016 by Tourism Accommodation Australia (Victoria) a division of the Australian Hotels Association.

Marnong Estate will generate more than 200 jobs and stimulate economic growth in one of the leading developing corridors in Northern Melbourne whilst focussing on sustainability and protecting the rich history of the homestead and its location.

The approach to site development incorporates professional advice from all respective experts – Restauranteurs, Agronomists, Viticulturists, Master-Planners, Heritage Consultants, Town Planners, Building Architects, Landscape Architects, Arborists, Engineers and Researchers. All these consultants have the common goal to ensure Marnong Estate becomes a world class tourism facility and generator of jobs and growth, whilst focusing on sustainability and protecting and improving the heritage significance of the site.

With the new upgrades to the Mickleham Road interchange, including a new entry ramp to Tullamarine Highway and also the future outer Melbourne Ring Road – Marnong Estate will become an easy point of access from the Freeway for visitors, especially those coming from Tullamarine Airport and Melbourne CBD.

MARNONG ESTATE DEVELOPMENT STAGES:

Stage One: Luxury accommodation of will be showcased in the original homestead on the property – the 1860s-built family home of William Angliss – with plans to develop 4.5 star hotel style accommodation of up to 30 rooms. Plus a 250-seat restaurant and event space and provedore store.

“The northern suburbs is devoid of world class community facilities and it is my wish to create a place where people can meet, take their families and get away, even for a short time, from their day to day routines” says Mr Ackroyd.

“Creating a community space will not only fill a gap in this northern growth corridor of Melbourne but more importantly, it will raise the profile of the region and give its community a local and vibrant destination of which they can be proud,” says Gerald Ackroyd.